Three of Hearts (left) had a very emotional world premiere at TIFF in 2004. Director Susan Kaplan, who also runs the fabulous New York City organization Docuclub, reflects on the build up to that screening...

SUSAN KAPLAN:
Three of Hearts took eight long years to produce and when we heard that the film was accepted to the Toronto International Film Festival for its world premier, we were both ecstatic and filled with trepidation. For a filmmaker, Toronto is where you want your film to first be shown, but for us, since our documentary features Samantha, a Torontonian, we were anxious about her family?s reaction to a film they had not seen. 

Three of Hearts is a film that features Samantha, Sam and Steven, all of whom fell in love with each other, marry and have two adorable children, ultimately a film about self-discovery.  In the film it is made clear that Samantha?s family accepted her arrangement, but chose not to tell their extended family about Samantha?s life choices.

The Sunday before the screening, the film was given a great review, including a large picture of Samantha, Sam and Steven in the Toronto Star.  When the article appeared, we got a frantic call from Samantha that her mother and father were outraged because her story was getting publicity.  The week leading up to the screening was stressful in every way possible.  We were told our film was screening on the second day of the festival in an 800-seat theatre.  We had no idea what to expect, and we were worried about Samantha?s parents choosing to see the film for the first time in such a large arena.

Toronto?s devoted audience base did not let us down.  We had a sold out house.  Actually, every screening I attended had the same kind of support.  We got to see the film for the first time with a real audience and they laughed and were quiet in all of the right places.  At the end of the screening when we invited Samantha, Sam and Steven to the stage, the audience gave them a standing ovation.  Samantha?s parents with tears in their eyes hugged us all and told us how grateful they were that we told their daughter?s story.  They invited us over to their house several days later for a delicious Indian brunch.  Our film secured distribution.  It was a perfect beginning.  Now looking back, I could honestly say that Toronto was the highlight for Three of Hearts.  We are forever grateful to the festival, not only did it launch our film, but it also provided an opportunity for healing to take place.